October 7th, 1982 - A clear day from the Tisitman building at 525 Market Street.

October 7th, 1982 - A clear day from the Tisitman building at 525 Market Street.

Photo: Gary Fong, The Chronicle

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April 26th, 1987 - Members of a San Francisco stuntpersons organization practice their falls onto a large black mat. They will surprise guests Monday night with various jail breaks and even a free fall or two.

April 26th, 1987 - Members of a San Francisco stuntpersons organization practice their falls onto a large black mat. They will surprise guests Monday night with various jail breaks and even a free fall or two.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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March 14th, 1956 - Since the 1946 riots, peepholes have been installed in the main building so guards can cover it from the outside.

March 14th, 1956 - Since the 1946 riots, peepholes have been installed in the main building so guards can cover it from the outside.

Photo: Joe Rosenthal, The Chronicle

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April 6th, 1987 - James Quillen walks along Culinary Row where he was almost thrown over three flights of stairs during a flight with an inmate that stole a magazine from him.

April 6th, 1987 - James Quillen walks along Culinary Row where he was almost thrown over three flights of stairs during a flight with an inmate that stole a magazine from him.

Photo: Eric Luse, The Chronicle

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April 27th, 1987 - Portrait of a cop.

April 27th, 1987 - Portrait of a cop.

Photo: Eric Luse, The Chronicle

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January 28th, 1986 - Looking at the cell block from the door way leading to the control room.

January 28th, 1986 - Looking at the cell block from the door way leading to the control room.

Photo: John O'Hara, The Chronicle

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June 19th, 1992 - A view of Alcatraz facing south.

June 19th, 1992 - A view of Alcatraz facing south.

Photo: Fred Larson, The Chronicle

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May 5th, 1987 - Because of the high temperatures, the smog has stayed around. From the Golden Gate Bridge, one could see Alcatraz...but not the East Bay because of the smog

May 5th, 1987 - Because of the high temperatures, the smog has stayed around. From the Golden Gate Bridge, one could see Alcatraz...but not the East Bay because of the smog

Photo: Gary Fong, The Chronicle

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May, 18th, 1988 - When the pathways open up around the perimeter of the island, views of the city will be plentiful. This one from the south side.

May, 18th, 1988 - When the pathways open up around the perimeter of the island, views of the city will be plentiful. This one from the south side.

Photo: Scott Sommerdorf, The Chronicle

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April 14th. 1987 - Thomas Lozano and Stan Vail of Moveable Feast go to the task of laying out exactly where the tables will be placed at Alcatraz for the upcoming dinner.

April 14th. 1987 - Thomas Lozano and Stan Vail of Moveable Feast go to the task of laying out exactly where the tables will be placed at Alcatraz for the upcoming dinner.

Photo: Eric Luse, The Chronicle

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March 21st, 1964 - View of San Francisco from Alcatraz.

March 21st, 1964 - View of San Francisco from Alcatraz.

Photo: Bob Campbell, The Chronicle

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March 18th, 1987 - The San Francisco skyline with clouds overhead as seen from the main cell block on Alcatraz Island through a slit-like window.

March 18th, 1987 - The San Francisco skyline with clouds overhead as seen from the main cell block on Alcatraz Island through a slit-like window.

Photo: Tom Levy, The Chronicle

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June 19th, 1986 - The main cell block of the prison.

June 19th, 1986 - The main cell block of the prison.

Photo: Eric Luse, The Chronicle

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March 21st, 1963 - The last guard tower deactivated.

March 21st, 1963 - The last guard tower deactivated.

Photo: Peter Breinig, The Chronicle

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June 13th, 1971 - The light house and warden's house on Alcatraz.

June 13th, 1971 - The light house and warden's house on Alcatraz.

Photo: Vincent Maggiora, The Chronicle

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June 16th, 1982 - People view Alcatraz through powerful telescopes.

June 16th, 1982 - People view Alcatraz through powerful telescopes.

Photo: Joe Rosenthal, The Chronicle

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March 8th, 1964 - Sioux party dancing on Alcatraz.

March 8th, 1964 - Sioux party dancing on Alcatraz.

Photo: Barney Peterson, The Chronicle

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January 28, 1986 - This stands above the entry way in the cell block. During the occupation by the Indians, they carved "FREE" in the shield.

January 28, 1986 - This stands above the entry way in the cell block. During the occupation by the Indians, they carved "FREE" in the shield.

Photo: John O'Hara, The Chronicle

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November 21st, 1969 - A sign mounted on main cell block door by Indians on Alcatraz.

November 21st, 1969 - A sign mounted on main cell block door by Indians on Alcatraz.

Photo: Vincent Maggiora, The Chronicle

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The Warden House on Alcatraz.

The Warden House on Alcatraz.

Photo: Carlos Gonzalez, The San Francisco Chronicle

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A prison cell on Alcatraz.

A prison cell on Alcatraz.

Photo: Carlos Gonzalez, The San Francisco Chronicle

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Inside the shower area at Alcatraz.

Inside the shower area at Alcatraz.

Photo: Carlos Gonzalez, The San Francisco Chronicle

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From The Archives: Alcatraz

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Alcatraz is one of San Francisco's great landmarks. But long before it was a tourist attraction, it was the Army's first long-term prison, which housed many of the civilian prisoners that were displaced following the 1906 earthquake. Here are some photos of Alcatraz from The Chronicle's Photo Archive.